Chicken Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting, easy-to-make meal that the whole family will love, this Chicken Hashbrown Casserole is the perfect choice. Combining tender cooked chicken, crispy hashbrowns, and creamy sauce, this casserole is hearty and satisfying. The mix of flavors and textures—from the creamy filling to the crispy Ritz cracker topping—makes this dish a favorite for dinner or even as a potluck contribution. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, and you can customize it with your favorite veggies or seasoning.

With its blend of ingredients like shredded cheddar cheese, bacon bits, and a can of cream of chicken soup, this casserole brings together classic comfort food flavors in a simple, no-fuss way. Whether you’re preparing it for a busy weeknight meal or a special occasion, Chicken Hashbrown Casserole is sure to please both kids and adults alike. Easy to make and full of flavor, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Hashbrown Casserole is a meal that checks all the boxes—comforting, creamy, cheesy, and satisfying. It’s one of those dishes that’s perfect for a busy weeknight because it’s easy to assemble and doesn’t take much time to bake. The combination of hashbrowns and chicken makes it a filling dish, while the frozen mixed vegetables add a bit of color and nutrition. The addition of crispy bacon bits and a cheesy Ritz cracker topping adds a delightful crunch and depth of flavor that takes this casserole to the next level. If you love simple, comforting dishes, this recipe will quickly become one of your go-to favorites.

this …

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• Frozen hashbrowns (thawed slightly)
• Cooked chicken (diced)
• Bacon bits
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Condensed cream of chicken soup
• Milk
• Frozen mixed vegetables (thawed slightly)
• Dried thyme

For the Topping:

• Ritz crackers (crushed)
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Variations

There are many ways to put your own spin on this Chicken Hashbrown Casserole:

Add Extra Veggies

Feel free to swap out the mixed vegetables for other vegetables like peas, carrots, or corn to customize the flavor to your liking.

Make it Spicy

For a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños to the casserole mixture.

Use Different Cheese

Try using a blend of cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different cheesy flavor profile.

Add Sour Cream

If you love a tangy twist, add some sour cream to the casserole mix for extra creaminess.

Make it Low-Carb

Substitute the hashbrowns with riced cauliflower for a lower-carb alternative, making it a more keto-friendly dish.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a bit of butter.

Step 2: Prepare the Casserole Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the thawed hashbrowns, cooked chicken, bacon bits, shredded cheddar cheese, condensed cream of chicken soup, milk, mixed vegetables, and dried thyme. Stir until well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 4: Add the Topping

In a small bowl, crush the Ritz crackers and sprinkle them over the top of the casserole. Add the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the crushed crackers.

Step 5: Bake

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.

Step 6: Serve

Once the casserole is done baking, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Thaw the hashbrowns and vegetables slightly before using them to prevent excess moisture from accumulating in the casserole.
• If you don’t have bacon bits on hand, you can easily cook some bacon and crumble it into the dish for added flavor.
• If you prefer a creamier casserole, you can increase the amount of milk or add a bit of sour cream to the mixture.
• Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to allow it to firm up slightly and make it easier to serve.
• For an extra crispy topping, bake the casserole for a few extra minutes until the crackers are golden brown.

How to Serve

Chicken Hashbrown Casserole can be served as a complete meal on its own, but it pairs well with a variety of sides:

• A side salad with a light vinaigrette balances out the richness of the casserole.
• Steamed or roasted vegetables like green beans or broccoli complement the flavors of the casserole.
• If you’re craving more carbs, serve it with a warm loaf of garlic bread for an extra comforting meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or place the casserole back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Freezing

If you’d like to make this casserole ahead of time, you can freeze it before baking. Assemble the casserole and cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2–3 months. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed.

Reheating

To reheat frozen casserole, cover it with foil and bake it at 350°F (175°C) for 45–55 minutes or until it’s fully heated through. For best results, remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the topping to crisp up.

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?

Yes, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is an excellent option and will save you time in preparing this casserole.

2. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh vegetables can be used, but they may need to be cooked slightly before adding them to the casserole to avoid excess moisture.

3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

4. How do I make this casserole spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or diced jalapeños to the casserole mixture for a spicy kick.

5. Can I use a different kind of soup in this recipe?

You can substitute the cream of chicken soup with other varieties, like cream of mushroom or cream of celery, depending on your preference.

6. Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, use dairy-free cheese and swap out the milk for a dairy-free alternative like almond milk or oat milk.

7. How can I make the casserole less greasy?

Drain any excess liquid from the cooked chicken and thawed vegetables before adding them to the casserole to avoid extra moisture and grease.

8. Can I use fresh hashbrowns instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh hashbrowns will work well in this recipe. Be sure to cook and drain them before using them in the casserole.

9. Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, leftovers can be frozen. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container and use them within 2-3 months.

10. How long does this casserole last in the fridge?

The casserole will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight container.

Conclusion

This Chicken Hashbrown Casserole is a delicious, comforting dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or satisfying your family on a busy night. With a simple combination of chicken, hashbrowns, veggies, and creamy sauce, it delivers a satisfying, hearty meal that’s both easy to make and full of flavor. The crispy Ritz cracker topping adds a delightful crunch, and the melted cheddar cheese brings everything together. Whether served for dinner or brought to a potluck, this casserole is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

Print